Dog Seizure Emergency Response Guide

What To Do When Your Dog Has a Seizure: Immediate Steps, Safety Tips & Vet Advice

Caring for a dog with epilepsy is a profound commitment, requiring vigilance, structure, and emotional resilience. Seizures can be frightening, but a medically precise action plan provides the confidence necessary to navigate these acute events safely and effectively. This guide, developed from principles of veterinary neurology and emergency medicine, provides comprehensive steps for immediate action, identifies critical emergency thresholds, and outlines a strategy for long-term preparedness.

Section I: Understanding the Canine Seizure Event: The Three Phases of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is recognized as the most common chronic canine neurological syndrome, with an estimated prevalence ranging from 0.6% to 0.75% in the general dog population. The majority of these cases are classified as idiopathic, meaning they are genetic or presumed genetic in origin. A seizure represents a transient occurrence of clinical signs resulting from abnormal, excessive, or synchronous electrical activity in the brain.

Veterinary neurologists characterize a seizure event in three sequential phases: the pre-ictal phase, the ictal phase, and the post-ictal phase. Understanding these phases is crucial, as the appropriate response—from preparation to intervention to recovery—changes dramatically based on the stage of the event.

Phase 1: The Pre-Ictal Phase (Aura)

The pre-ictal phase is the period leading up to the visible onset of the seizure activity, often referred to as the aura. This phase can be extremely brief, lasting only a few seconds, or it may extend for several hours.

Clinical manifestations during the pre-ictal period are primarily behavioral, reflecting the initial neurological changes occurring in the brain before widespread abnormal electrical firing begins. Signs may include restlessness, pronounced anxiety, excessive salivation, shaking, abnormal vocalization (whining or crying), hiding, or intense attention-seeking behavior directed toward the owner.

The professional significance of recognizing this phase is paramount, even though the signs may be subtle or entirely missed in some animals. The pre-ictal phase represents the only window of time available for the caregiver to proactively move the dog to a safe location, away from hazards like stairs, water, or sharp furniture. This proactive identification allows for crucial safety planning, directly reducing the risk of accidental injury during the uncontrolled, convulsive activity of the ensuing ictal phase. Moreover, recognizing these subtle signs provides the earliest possible cue to prepare the emergency kit, including the timing device and any prescribed rescue medication.

Phase 2: The Ictal Phase (The Seizure Itself)

The ictal phase is the seizure activity itself, when the brain is undergoing the abnormal electrical storm. This phase is typically brief, lasting only seconds to a few minutes. Most self-limiting seizures resolve spontaneously within one to three minutes.

Seizures are broadly classified into two main types based on the extent of brain involvement:

Focal (Partial) Seizures

Focal seizures affect only one half of the brain, or a specific region within that half. Manifestations can range widely. In a simple focal seizure, the dog may maintain consciousness, exhibiting subtle signs such as rhythmic facial twitching, head bobbing, fly-biting behavior, or specific limb contractions. In a complex focal seizure, consciousness is often impaired.

Generalized Seizures

A generalized seizure involves both halves of the brain, leading almost invariably to a loss of consciousness. These events are characterized by movements affecting both sides of the body. Specific generalized seizure types include:

Tonic: Characterized by muscle stiffening or contraction that can last seconds to minutes.
Clonic: Defined by involuntary rapid and rhythmic jerking or muscle contractions.
Tonic-Clonic: A rapid succession of a tonic phase followed immediately by a clonic phase.
Atonic: Often called "drop attacks," resulting in a sudden, complete loss of muscle tone and collapse.

During generalized seizures, autonomic signs like urination or defecation commonly occur. A critical point in diagnosis is that focal seizures frequently evolve into generalized seizures. Often, the initial focal phase is so brief or subtle that it goes unnoticed by the owner, meaning the veterinarian only observes the resulting generalized convulsion. Owners who actively monitor and record the earliest signs, even the subtle ones, provide vital diagnostic information that helps the veterinary neurologist localize the affected brain region and develop a more informed treatment plan.

Phase 3: The Post-Ictal Phase (Recovery)

The post-ictal phase is the period following the cessation of the seizure activity, during which the brain is slowly "resetting" after the abnormal electrical firing. This recovery phase can be brief, lasting only minutes, but often extends for 24 to 48 hours.

During recovery, dogs typically exhibit significant confusion, disorientation, and lethargy. Temporary neurological deficits are common, including restlessness, pacing, and temporary blindness or impaired vision, which usually resolves within a few hours. Physiologically, the intense metabolic demand of the seizure often leads to polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (food craving or increased hunger) as the body attempts to replenish fluids and energy.

This phase demands calm, supportive care. Minimizing stimulation (light, noise) and providing warmth and comfort are essential to aid the brain's recovery and reduce stress, which could potentially trigger further episodes.

Section II: Immediate Emergency Response Protocol: The 4 Critical Steps

When a seizure occurs, the most important action an owner can take is to remain calm and follow a predefined, step-by-step protocol to ensure the dog's physical safety and to collect critical medical data.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Clear Hazards

The immediate primary role of the caregiver is physical hazard mitigation. While the seizure cannot be stopped by physical intervention, the dog must be protected from accidental injury. Nearby objects, including furniture, sharp edges, and stairs, must be moved away from the seizing animal. If the dog is seizing in a precarious location, such as near the top of a staircase, the owner may gently slide the animal away from the immediate hazard. Crucially, this must be done without attempting to restrain the dog's head or body, which could result in injury to both the dog and the owner.

Environmental stimuli should also be minimized. Dimming bright lights and reducing loud noises can decrease external sensory input, helping to minimize potential stress or triggers during the event.

Step 2: Start the Timer — Timing is Everything

Accurate timing of the seizure activity is the most vital piece of clinical information the owner can provide to the veterinary team, as duration dictates the classification of the event and the urgency of the required intervention. Owners should immediately note the exact start time using a clock, phone timer, or stopwatch.

Because most self-limiting seizures conclude within 1 to 3 minutes, the elapsed time serves as a critical triage marker. If the seizure activity progresses beyond the 3-minute mark, the owner must transition from simple observation to active preparation for a life-threatening crisis. This means locating and preparing the emergency rescue medication kit and beginning the process of calling the emergency clinic to mobilize transport protocols.

Step 3: Remain Calm and Provide Auditory Comfort

The owner's composure is essential. Dogs are highly perceptive of human emotional states, and owner panic can exacerbate the dog's post-ictal anxiety and disorientation. Maintaining a soft, reassuring vocal tone throughout the episode helps to minimize psychological stress.

It is imperative that the owner never attempt to physically restrain or hold a seizing dog. Restraint will not terminate the neurological event and can lead to severe soft tissue injury or fractures in the dog, or severe injury to the owner.

Step 4: Contact the Veterinary Team

If the seizure lasts longer than 3 minutes, if this is the dog's first seizure, or if any severe symptoms are present, contact the primary veterinarian or a local 24/7 emergency hospital immediately.

An essential component of emergency response is contacting the emergency clinic before leaving the house to transport the dog. This allows the hospital staff to prepare the necessary emergency bay, equipment, and medications, ensuring zero delay upon arrival for what may be a critical, life-threatening patient.

Section III: Critical Safety: Debunking Myths and Defining Danger

In the chaotic moment of a seizure, instincts can sometimes lead to dangerous interventions. It is critical for caregivers to understand specific actions that must be avoided.

The Swallowing Tongue Myth and Jaw Safety

The belief that a dog can swallow its tongue during a seizure is a long-standing, but medically impossible, myth. The sounds of gurgling or gagging are typically caused by muscle spasms or excessive salivation.

This myth poses a direct threat to the caregiver. Under no circumstances should an owner place hands, fingers, or any object inside or near the seizing dog's mouth. During the ictal phase, the dog loses conscious control of its jaw movements and can bite down with immense, reflexive force, leading to serious injury for the owner and potentially damaging the dog's teeth or jaw structure.

Inappropriate Interventions

Attempting to give fluids or medications by mouth to a seizing or disoriented dog is extremely hazardous. Due to the dog's altered level of consciousness, there is a severe risk of aspiration pneumonia if any substance, including water, food, or sugary solutions, is forced orally. While historic recommendations sometimes included the administration of sugar solutions, current veterinary neurology standards advise against any oral administration during the ictal phase due to the high aspiration risk.

Furthermore, human medications must never be given unless specifically prescribed for the dog by a veterinarian for at-home use, as many human drugs are highly toxic to canine patients.

Section IV: Identifying a Life-Threatening Crisis

Seizure activity transitions from a self-limiting event to a true emergency when it persists too long or occurs in rapid succession without recovery. This necessitates immediate emergency intervention to mitigate secondary complications, particularly irreversible neurological damage and potentially fatal hyperthermia.

Status Epilepticus (SE): The 5-Minute Rule

Status Epilepticus (SE) is defined by the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF) as seizure activity that persists for more than 5 minutes, or the occurrence of two or more seizures without the dog regaining full consciousness between episodes.

SE is a severe, life-threatening condition. If the intense, prolonged seizure activity is not medically halted, the dog risks irreversible brain damage, metabolic collapse, and potential death. The definition incorporates a second critical time threshold: 30 minutes. Status epilepticus lasting longer than 30 minutes significantly increases the long-term consequences, including neuronal death and the progression of permanent, self-perpetuating alterations in neuronal networks. This definition underscores the need for aggressive emergency treatment to be initiated well before the 5-minute mark to maximize the chances of rapid seizure termination.

Cluster Seizures (CS): Multiple Events in 24 Hours

Cluster Seizures (CS) are defined as two or more focal or generalized epileptic seizures that occur within a 24-hour period, with the crucial distinction that the dog fully regains consciousness between each episode.

While individual seizures in a cluster may be brief and self-limiting, CS represents an urgent condition. Cluster events are associated with poor prognoses and pose a risk similar to SE for seizure-related neuronal damage, particularly because high-frequency clusters are unlikely to cease spontaneously without rescue medication and carry a significant risk of progressing to full Status Epilepticus.

The Critical Secondary Complication: Hyperthermia

One of the most immediate and dangerous secondary complications of prolonged seizures, particularly Status Epilepticus, is severe hyperthermia (heat stroke). The intense, violent, and sustained muscular activity during prolonged convulsions generates excessive metabolic heat, causing the dog's core body temperature to rise rapidly to life-threatening levels.

The resulting hyperthermia is detrimental because it compounds the primary neurological insult. High body temperature induces brain edema, widespread cellular inflammation, and further neurological damage, greatly worsening the outcome already threatened by the seizure itself. Managing body temperature is therefore as critical as administering anticonvulsants during an active, prolonged emergency.

Actionable Cooling Measures

If the seizure progresses past the 5-minute mark, owners must initiate active cooling measures simultaneously with preparing for transport to the emergency facility:

Ventilation and Relocation: Immediately remove the dog from any heat source and move them to the coolest, best-ventilated area available.
Cool Water Application: Apply cool (not ice-cold) water to high vascular areas of the dog's body. Focus on the neck, abdomen (stomach), and inner thighs (groin area), avoiding the head if the dog is struggling to breathe.
Air Flow: Use a fan or air conditioning to create a breeze, promoting evaporative cooling, which is highly effective.
Avoidances: Do not use ice packs or ice-cold water, as these can trigger peripheral vasoconstriction (tightening of blood vessels near the skin), which counter-intuitively traps heat within the body core.
Stop Cooling: Active cooling must be discontinued once the dog begins to shiver, or if the rectal temperature falls to 103°F (39.4°C) to prevent the secondary risk of hypothermia.

Section V: Emergency Rescue Medication Administration Protocol

Rescue medications are specifically prescribed rapid-acting anticonvulsants, typically benzodiazepines such as Diazepam or Midazolam, designed for immediate at-home use during an acute crisis (SE or CS).

Timing and Goal of Rescue Medication

The critical timing for administration is based on the 5-minute threshold. Rescue medication should be administered when the seizure activity passes 3 minutes (when the owner should be prepared) and definitively before or at the 5-minute mark. For cluster seizures, rescue medication should be administered immediately upon the onset of the second seizure.

The therapeutic goal of rescue medication is to terminate the acute neurological event rapidly. The owner should expect to see the seizure slow down and terminate within 3 to 5 minutes of administration, resulting in a total seizure duration of less than 10 minutes.

Common Rescue Drug Delivery Routes

Rectal Administration (Diazepam): Historically, this has been the most common and longest-used route for emergency at-home treatment. The medication is formulated as a liquid for injection, which is administered rectally. Therapeutic concentrations are typically reached within 30 minutes.

Intranasal Administration (Midazolam/Diazepam): This delivery method utilizes a mucosal atomizer device (MAD) to convert the liquid medication into a fine mist, which is absorbed rapidly through the nasal cavity. Some evidence suggests that intranasal delivery may offer faster action and is often perceived by owners as easier to administer compared to the rectal route. Intranasal Midazolam, specifically, is often discussed as a potential alternative to rectal Diazepam for acute home management due to these practical advantages.

Step-by-Step Guide: Safe Rectal Diazepam Administration

This procedure must only be performed using medication and dosages prescribed and demonstrated by a veterinary professional. Prescribed injectable solutions are used for this route, and owners may be advised to give up to three doses in a 24-hour period, depending on the veterinarian's instructions.

Preparation and Needle Safety: Ensure the exact prescribed dose of liquid Diazepam has been drawn up into the syringe. Crucially, the needle must be removed immediately and safely discarded using a designated sharps disposal container. Owners must be counseled against pre-drawing dosages and storing them, as benzodiazepines can be absorbed by the plastic of the syringe over time, reducing the effective dose.
Positioning: Gently guide the dog to lie on its side (lateral recumbency), ideally on an easily cleaned surface. Minimize physical restraint, focusing only on gentle positioning.
Insertion: Carefully and gently insert the syringe tip or the prescribed applicator (if provided) into the dog's rectum. Insertion should be about halfway or more along the barrel of the syringe to ensure proper delivery beyond the anal sphincter.
Administration: Depress the plunger swiftly and completely to deliver the entire prescribed dose into the rectum.
Absorption Hold: Gently hold the dog in position for approximately 30 to 60 seconds to prevent immediate expulsion and allow maximum absorption of the medication. Closely monitor the dog for signs of seizure cessation, which should manifest within minutes.

Section VI: Post-Ictal Aftercare and Monitoring

The recovery period following a seizure requires patience and a structured approach to support the dog's neurological and physical recovery.

Providing a Calm Recovery Space

The post-ictal phase is characterized by confusion, disorientation, and possible temporary neurological deficits. The dog must be kept in a quiet, comfortable recovery area with dim lighting and minimal environmental noise. Owners should remain present but give the dog space, avoiding crowding the pet or allowing children or other pets to disturb them, as the dog's disoriented state may lead to unexpected reactions.

Owners should use a soothing, calm tone when speaking, as dogs are highly perceptive of human emotions, and owner distress can increase the dog's anxiety.

Managing Recovery Symptoms

Hydration and Nutrition: The intense physical and metabolic effort of the seizure leaves the dog exhausted and potentially dehydrated. Owners should encourage rest and ensure unrestricted access to fresh water (polydipsia is common). Small, frequent meals can be offered to help replenish lost nutrients and energy.

Monitoring Deficits: Temporary blindness or impaired vision, common post-ictal signs, typically resolve within a few hours. Owners should gently guide the dog and recognize that restlessness, pacing, or wobbliness are normal parts of the recovery process.

When to Visit the Vet (Triage Decision Points)

The need for immediate veterinary care is determined by the specific criteria of Status Epilepticus (SE) and Cluster Seizures (CS).

Immediate Emergency Transport (Always Call Ahead):

Any seizure activity that lasts longer than the 5-minute threshold.
The occurrence of two or more seizures within a 24-hour period (CS), even if they were individually brief and self-limiting, especially if the prescribed rescue medication was administered and the dog continued seizing.
Inability of the dog to return to a recovered, or near-normal, state within three hours of the seizure cessation.

Urgent Evaluation (Same-Day/Next-Day):

The dog's first-ever seizure event, regardless of duration. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to rule out acquired causes (metabolic disease, toxins, or structural brain lesions).
Any noticeable increase in seizure frequency, severity, or length.

Scheduled Follow-Up:

A mild, brief, self-limiting seizure in a dog already diagnosed with controlled epilepsy, provided recovery is complete and rapid. This information should be thoroughly logged and discussed with the primary veterinarian at the next scheduled appointment for ongoing management review.

Section VII: Long-Term Management and Data Collection

Accurate, consistent data collection is the fundamental basis for successful chronic epilepsy management. Veterinary neurologists rely on a detailed seizure diary to assess the efficacy of Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs) and make appropriate, safe dosage adjustments.

The Value of the Seizure Diary

A comprehensive seizure log is invaluable because it provides an objective record of events that are otherwise difficult to quantify. This data helps the veterinary team determine the necessary therapeutic interventions, such as when to initiate maintenance anticonvulsant therapy (e.g., Phenobarbital, Levetiracetam) based on increasing length, frequency, or severity of the seizures. Ongoing monitoring of serum drug concentrations is necessary to ensure the therapeutic range is maintained while minimizing adverse effects.

The collective data gathered by owners using formalized tracking systems also holds significant value for research, leading to breakthroughs in the understanding of epilepsy progression and patterns of seizure activity across large dog populations.

Key Data Points to Record

The seizure diary should capture the following essential clinical metrics:

Timing and Duration: The exact date, start time, stop time, and calculated duration of the ictal event.
Pre-Ictal Observations: A detailed description of any behaviors immediately preceding the seizure (anxiety, whining, shaking).
Ictal Description: A precise account of the seizure manifestation (generalized, focal, tonic, clonic, loss of consciousness, urination/defecation). Recalling the dog's activity just before the generalized seizure began is vital for identifying subtle focal onset.
Post-Ictal Recovery: The duration and description of the recovery phase, including confusion, lethargy, temporary blindness, and changes in appetite or thirst.
Intervention Log: If rescue medication was administered, the log must include the drug name, dose, route (rectal or intranasal), and the exact time of administration.

Utilizing Digital Tracking Tools

While manual written diaries are used by many owners, digital tracking tools and specialized mobile applications offer superior standardization and data analysis capabilities. Apps, such as PupPal or other veterinary-developed tools, provide structured logging interfaces, medication reminders, and the critical function of data export, allowing owners to easily share organized clinical information with their veterinary neurologist.

Advanced monitoring systems, sometimes involving wearable technology, contribute even greater precision by tracking physiological markers like heart rate variability (HRV), respiration, and activity. These devices use artificial intelligence to flag subtle physiological patterns that may precede a visible seizure, providing alerts that allow owners to intervene during the crucial pre-ictal phase. By recording both device alerts and confirmed seizures, owners and vets can visualize temporal patterns (e.g., time of day) and refine the Seizure Action Plan proactively.

Start tracking with PupPal – Our comprehensive seizure tracking system helps you log every detail and share organized reports with your veterinarian. Get started today.

Section VIII: Preparing Your Personalized Seizure Action Plan (SAP)

A comprehensive, written Seizure Action Plan (SAP) is a critical component of emergency preparedness. This plan minimizes confusion and ensures rapid, coordinated action during a stressful crisis.

Emergency Contact and Medical Information

The SAP must contain readily accessible and up-to-date contact information:

Contact List: Primary veterinarian's name and number, and the nearest 24/7 veterinary emergency hospital, including the full address and directions for quick navigation.
Medication Records: A current list of all maintenance anticonvulsant medications (AEDs), including drug names, dosages, and frequency. For dogs receiving phenobarbital, the date of the last therapeutic drug monitoring test should be included.
Identification and Documents: Current photographs of the dog, a detailed description (breed, color, weight), microchip information, and photocopied veterinary records, including recent vaccinations and test results (e.g., heartworm).

Home Environment Modification and Safety

Long-term management involves modifying the home environment to anticipate and mitigate seizure-related injuries, particularly when the dog is unsupervised.

Stair Mitigation: Installing baby gates at the top and bottom of all staircases is essential to confine the dog to a single, level floor when no one is home or during sleep, preventing catastrophic falls during a seizure.
Hazard Assessment: The home should be routinely assessed to move or brace any furniture or objects that could fall, break, or cause injury if struck by the dog during uncontrolled movement.
Designated Zone: Identify a quiet, safe, padded, and easily cleaned area (such as a tile or linoleum floor in a low-traffic room) that can serve as the designated recovery spot.

The Pet Seizure Emergency Kit

A portable kit containing essential supplies must be assembled and kept in a central, known location, accessible to all family members or emergency contacts.

Rescue Medications: The prescribed, unexpired emergency anticonvulsant medication (e.g., Rectal Diazepam, Intranasal Midazolam).
Timing and Records: A designated timing device (watch/phone) and a hard copy of the Seizure Action Plan and current seizure log/diary.
Cooling Supplies: A small towel and access to cool water or a fan, for rapid cooling if SE occurs.
Transport and Sanitation: An appropriate-sized carrier or crate with bedding, a strong leash, collar with ID, and sanitation supplies (paper towels, plastic bags, disinfectant).

Section IX: Addressing Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life (QoL)

Managing chronic canine epilepsy involves significant commitment, affecting the quality of life (QoL) not only of the dog but also of the owner. A comprehensive management plan must address this caregiver burden.

The Impact of Epilepsy on the Family

Caring for an epileptic dog can be a considerable source of frustration and psychological stress. Owners often report that the constant vigilance and the need for rigorous medication schedules limit their social life, independence, and ability to travel or leave the dog alone.

However, the majority of owners surveyed maintain a positive opinion regarding their dog's QoL and do not perceive the commitment necessary for management as a limitation of their own QoL, highlighting the strength of the human-animal bond. Factors that negatively influence the perceived QoL include seizure frequency, severity, and the onset age of the epilepsy. The veterinarian's role extends beyond seizure control; it includes providing exhaustive and accurate information and developing therapeutic plans that consider the specific needs of both the dog and the caregiver.

Promoting Caregiver Self-Care and Support

To mitigate burnout and ensure long-term sustainability of care, owners should establish a robust support system. Implementing a "buddy system" involves exchanging contact information, evacuation plans, and a house key with trusted neighbors, friends, or family. These designated contacts can check on the pet if the owner is away during an emergency, provide transportation, or assist with temporary care, safeguarding the pet's life.

Open communication with the veterinary neurologist about the practical and emotional challenges of care, including concerns about side effects (such as depression, drowsiness, or ataxia associated with initial Phenobarbital therapy) is vital. Efficacy in epilepsy management is best evaluated by considering the dog's QoL, seizure frequency, and severity, ensuring the treatment plan aligns with the realities of the owner's commitment.

Section X: Comprehensive Canine Seizure Action Plan (SAP) Checklist

This final, actionable checklist is designed for immediate reference during an emergency.

Immediate Safety

☐ Clear hazards (furniture, stairs) from the dog's vicinity.
☐ Start timing the seizure immediately (Note Start Time: ______).
☐ Do not restrain; keep hands away from the dog's mouth.
☐ Speak softly and remain calm.

Emergency Triage (5-Minute Rule / Cluster Seizures)

☐ Seizure duration reaches 3 minutes: Prepare rescue medication and call ER vet.
☐ Seizure duration passes 5 minutes (Status Epilepticus): Administer rescue medication immediately and initiate active cooling.
☐ Seizure stops, but dog has a second seizure (Cluster Seizures): Administer rescue medication and proceed to ER.

Cooling Measures (If SE > 5 min)

☐ Apply cool (not ice-cold) water to neck, belly, and armpits.
☐ Place a fan or move dog to a cool, well-ventilated space.
☐ Monitor temperature and stop cooling if shivering or temperature drops below 103°F (39.4°C).

Medication Protocol

☐ Confirm correct, prescribed dose and route (Rectal/Intranasal).
☐ Safely administer prescribed rescue dose and hold in place briefly.
☐ Note Administration Time: ________

Post-Ictal Care & Logging

☐ Note End Time: ________ (Calculate Duration: ________).
☐ Offer a quiet, dark recovery area.
☐ Encourage rest and hydration (fresh water access).
☐ Record full seizure event details, including pre- and post-ictal symptoms, in diary/app.

Emergency Kit Ready (Checked Monthly)

☐ Prescribed Rescue Medication (Unexpired, Correctly Stored).
☐ ER Veterinary Contact Information & Directions.
☐ Current Maintenance AED List/Dosing.
☐ Copies of Veterinary Records/Rabies Certificate.
☐ Transport Carrier/Leash ready.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Effective management of canine epilepsy relies on the owner's ability to act as the primary observer and first responder. The definitive emergency threshold for seizure intervention is 5 minutes, which dictates the administration of prescribed rescue medication and immediate transport due to the escalating risk of neuronal damage and life-threatening hyperthermia.

The analysis confirms that proactive safety measures during the subtle pre-ictal phase, highly accurate timing of the ictal phase, and strict adherence to the no restraint, no mouth intervention rules are the most critical immediate owner actions. Furthermore, long-term success requires diligent data tracking—increasingly facilitated by digital applications—to allow veterinary neurologists to refine AED protocols based on seizure pattern recognition and the overall quality of life reported by the caregiver. Long-term planning, formalized through a comprehensive Seizure Action Plan, ensures that these critical steps can be executed confidently and without delay during the high-stress conditions of an acute seizure crisis.

Ready to create your Seizure Action Plan? Sign up for PupPal and access our comprehensive seizure tracking tools, medication reminders, and emergency protocols. Share detailed reports with your veterinarian and never miss a critical detail.

Need immediate help? If your dog is currently having a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes, or multiple seizures, contact your emergency veterinarian immediately.